Housing

Select Committee expresses concerns over extension of Right to Buy to housing association tenants

Final local government finance settlement for 2016/2017 confirms extra £3.5bn for adult social care

Department for Communities and Local Government highlights that up to £2bn will come from a 2 per cent social care precept in council tax - the equivalent of £23 a year on an average Band D home in 2016/2017 – to provide dedicated caring for the growing elderly population.

Edwards & Ors, R (on the application of) v Birmingham City Council

[2016] EWHC 173 (Admin)

Absence of housing options for single homeless people impacts on health and creates future costs

New report from the IPPR puts forward recommendations for local but system-wide changes designed to empower tenants to have more control over their own journey, and to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the people who live in unsupported temporary accommodation.

Council ordered to place Irish Traveller on housing register following challenge on local connection

In a judicial review claim that was settled the day before trial, North Somerset Council has also been ordered to undertake a review of its housing allocations scheme, specifically with reference to section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.

80,000 council homes could be lost by 2020 driving up housing benefit bill by £210m

New analysis from the Local Government Association estimates that 80,000 of the 88,000 homes sold under Right to Buy by 2020 will not be replaced as a result of new housing measures, such as the loss of £2.2bn from council housing budgets by 2020 due to social housing rent cuts.

Councils across England are struggling to cope with numbers of single homeless people

New report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Crisis finds that a majority of councils support an approach similar to that introduced in Wales, where help must be provided to anyone faced with the loss of their home and not just those deemed a ‘priority’, such as families with children.

New Northern Ireland strategy to increase tenant involvement in delivery of social housing services

Tenant Participation Strategy 2015-2020 sets out what social landlords, including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Housing Associations, should do in order to give tenants the opportunity and choice to participate in the decisions that affect them, and additionally sets out how government will help.

One per cent rent cut in social housing to be deferred for 12 months for supported accommodation

Minister for Housing and Planning Brandon Lewis confirms in House of Commons debate yesterday that Lord Freud has written to all interested parties outlining agreement.

Consultation launched on housing adaptations scheme in Northern Ireland

View sought on services that enable people with disabilities to remain at home and enhance their independence within their local community.

Samin v Westminster City Council

[2016] UKSC 1

13 per cent increase in complaints and enquiries to Ombudsman about social housing allocations

Local Government Ombudsman reports that it upheld 42 per cent of cases where it carried out a detailed investigation, with common complaints including delay in dealing with applications or a change in circumstances, decisions not in line with allocation schemes, failure to consider relevant information, and not notifying people of their right to request a review of a decision.

Soor v London Borough of Redbridge

[2016] EWHC 77 (Admin)

Voluntary Right to Buy schemes launch as part of pilot being delivered by 5 housing associations

Pilot will help inform the design and implementation of the main scheme before it is rolled out across the country following the passage of the Housing and Planning Bill.

DCLG confirms details of 48 local authorities to receive share of £5m to tackle rogue landlords

Government says funding will allow local authorities 'to carry out more raids, increase inspections of property, issue more statutory notices, survey more streets and demolish sheds and prohibited buildings'.

Government confirms funding for voluntary Right to Buy pilot

Parliamentary written statement confirms that the five housing associations involved will be compensated for their administrative costs up to the point of sale and, once the Housing and Planning Bill receives Royal Assent, willl be compensated in full for the cost of the discounts.

Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016

New Act makes provision about tenancies and licences which confer the right to occupy a dwelling as a home, including provision establishing two kinds of contract for the purpose of renting homes; and for connected purposes.